5th Test: Three players for whom the fifth Test can confirm the ticket to Australia

The way Indian team has performed on the current English tour, it has opened the gates of the new recruits, especially in the batting department. The Indian team will be visiting Australia by the end of this year and many players are vying for a spot on that Australian tour.

Fifth and final Test of this series is about to begin on 7th September. This Test can provide a platform for those wannabe tourists to Australia to confirm their tickets.

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#1 Prithvi Shaw

Shaw acknowledges the crowd while playing for India A

Although, after the struggles of the incumbent Indian pair of Dhawan & Vijay and new entrant KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw has a high probability of going to Australia, he would like to avoid any surprises by performing in his likely debut Test at The Oval.

A decent performance in the final Test will guarantee Prithvi Shaw a place on the flight to Australia.

Familiarity with the English conditions should help Shaw, as recently he was playing in England for India A side, where he performed really well.

Expecting Shaw to set the world on fire with his performance in his debut Test match would be a tad unfair, but, he is expected to show the world that he is ready for the big stage. If he can show the glimpse of a future Test opening batsman for India at The Oval then it will be an ideal start for young Shaw.

#2 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant needs to be as safe as a house in the final Test

After a great start to his keeping career with five catches in Trent Bridge, Pant landed very hard on the ground during the fourth Test.

He was a bit shaky behind the stumps and made some glaring mistakes while gathering the balls on his right-hand side, which is not his natural side. Also, he didn't perform up to the mark with the bat, getting out cheaply in both the innings of the fourth Test.

The fifth and final Test will provide another opportunity to young Pant to prove himself, both, behind and in front of the wicket.

As Wridhhiman Saha is expected to fit by the time Australia tour arrives, it will be the last opportunity for Pant to impress the selectors and put a foot in the door for the Australian tour.

#3 Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan needs to be in his elements during the fifth Test

In all probability, it will be the last Test match for Dhawan in case he fails to deliver.

Dhawan has an ordinary record outside Asia, with his last century coming in 2014 on the tour to New Zealand. His disastrous performance in the ongoing English tour has put his position in the Indian team under grave threat.

His quickfire twenties and thirties do not suffice in Test match cricket. A major reason for the poor overseas performance of this Indian team is the opening combination. Vijay has been dropped, now all eyes are on Dhawan.

The final Test of this series can provide Dhawan with a lifeline, but, for that, he needs to pull out an outstanding performance from his drawer.